A few things that catch up on:
Royal Academy Of Music museum.
I had a weekend in London and popped into this tiny little (free) museum - handily located just a few minutes walk from Howarth. It doens't take long to get round but is incredibly interesting and has a lovely music shop on the ground floor. They also currently have an oboe exhibition on showing how oboe keywork has progressed from baroque to current day - finishing off with the new keywork developed by Christopher Regdate. "Exhibition" is probably too grand a word (did I mention it was tiny) but incredibly interesting and well worth a look if you are in the area. It's on till the 28th March. I thoroughly recommend it.Royal Academy Museum
Howarth visit
Well obviously I had to pop in there too. I bought a book of studies recommended by teacher (they look very hard!), a micrometer (NEW TOY!!!) and some cane which was on offer. I also had my reed knives professionally sharpened at the Japenese Knife Store nearbyas recommented at the Big Double Reed Day.Howarth
Cameo Orchestra Playday
Yesterday I went on a play day organised by the Manchester Camerata. There were around 60 amateur musicians there and, conducted by a member of the Camerata (I think, though he didn't actually say who he was!), we worked through Mendelssohn's Sympony No 3 - the scottish. It was a good day. We had an initial run through as a group. a sectional (wind and brass together), a second whole orchestra rehearsal before doing a final run through of the piece as if it was a performance. It was a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon but the website did claim that we would have "expert coaching from Camerata Musicians" which I don't think they really delivered. Aside from the conductor, no other members of the group seemed to be present - even our wind sectional was not lead by a wind player. It was very much like the day rehearsals with the local orchestra that I sometimes play with - a chance to play with very good amateurs with a professional conductor. Overall I enjoyed it but I don't think I would go on one again (unless they were playing something I was desperate to have a go at!).
Play day
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